Fang Xuanling

Fang Xuanling (579-648) was Chancellor of Tang China from 626 to 643 and from 643 to 648.

Biography
Fang Xuanling was born in Zibo, Shandong, Northern Zhou in 579, and he was well-learned during his youth and skilled with calligraphy. At the age of 17, he passed the imperial examination and became a military officer, and, in 617 AD, he offered his services to Li Shimin during his father Li Yuan's rebellion against the Sui dynasty. He continued to serve on Li Shimin's staff after the establishment of the Tang dynasty a year later, and, in 626, Li Shimin (now known as "Emperor Taizong") appointed Fang Xuanling his chancellor. Fang Xuanling reduced the number of military and civil posts as part of the Emperor's reforms, and, during the emperor's 645 AD campaign against Goguryeo, Fang Xuanling was given command of the capital of Chang'an. In 648, he finished writing the Book of Jin, and he died that same year.